Handling Guide - Bisphenol A [PDF]

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Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. NIOSH Skin ... Reauthorization Act of 1986 and is listed in 40 CFR 372. Canada ... protection (S 36/37/39).
Bisphenol A

Handling Guide

Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................1 Guide Preparation ..........................................................................................1 Legal Disclaimer ..............................................................................................2 Copyright Notice ............................................................................................3 Chemical and Physical Properties ..............................................................4 Production Information ......................................................................................6 Applications and Uses ........................................................................................8 Physical Hazard Information..........................................................................11 Overview of Potential Health Effects........................................................13 Exposure Potential ..............................................................................................17 First Aid ....................................................................................................................19 Workplace Health and Safety ......................................................................21 Engineering Controls..................................................................................21 Product Handling and Transfer............................................................21 Storage Considerations ..........................................................................23 Personal Protective Equipment ..........................................................23 Workplace Exposure Limits ..................................................................24 Environmental Information ............................................................................27 Environmental Fate and Effects..........................................................27 Spills and Clean-up ....................................................................................27 Waste Disposal Considerations..........................................................28 Regulatory Information ....................................................................................31 Additional Information ......................................................................................33

Introduction When handled and managed appropriately, bisphenol A (BPA) has a low potential for hazard to workers and the environment. In industrial settings, including facilities where BPA is used, it is important to implement adequate measures to protect workers and the environment. This guidance document contains information on the handling of BPA in industrial settings. In addition, this Guide provides information on regulations, health effects, environmental fate and effects, and product applications associated with BPA. It is intended to assist those who manufacture, distribute, handle, use, and dispose of BPA in industrial settings to support the safe handling of this material. Although this Guide provides information on international legislative or regulatory requirements, users of the Guide should note that this information is very limited in scope. Guide Preparation As members and affiliated companies of the American Chemistry Council, we support efforts to improve the industry’s responsible management of chemicals. To assist in this effort, the American Chemistry Council’s Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group prepared and published this Guide.

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Legal Disclaimer The Bisphenol A Handling Guide was prepared by the American Chemistry Council's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group. It is intended to provide general information to persons who may manufacture, distribute, handle, use, store, or dispose of BPA. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for in-depth training or specific handling or storage requirements, nor is it designed or intended to define or create legal rights or obligations. It is not intended to be a "how-to" manual, nor is it a prescriptive guide. All persons involved in handling BPA have an independent obligation to ascertain that their actions are in compliance with current international, national or federal, state or provincial, and local laws and regulations and should obtain appropriate expert consultation through their employer or legal counsel concerning such matters. The Guide is necessarily general in nature and individual companies may vary their approach with respect to particular practices based on specific factual circumstances, the practicality and effectiveness of particular actions, and economic and technological feasibility. Any mention of specific products in this Guide is for illustration purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of such products. Consult the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for product-specific information on BPA. Neither the American Chemistry Council, nor the individual member companies of the Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, subcontractors, consultants, or other assigns, makes any warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Guide; nor do the

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American Chemistry Council or any member companies assume any liability or responsibility for any use or misuse, or the results of such use or misuse, of any information, procedure, conclusion, opinion, product, or process described in this Guide. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. The information contained in this Guide may be periodically updated or may be outdated. Contact your employer or the staff manager of the American Chemistry Council’s Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group to determine if a newer edition is available. For more information on material presented in this Guide, please contact your employer or BPA supplier Copyright Notice This work is protected by copyright. Users are granted a nonexclusive royalty-free license to reproduce and distribute this Guide, subject to the following limitations: (1) the work must be reproduced in its entirety, without alterations; and (2) copies of the work may not be sold. Copyright © 2013 American Chemistry Council. All Rights Reserved.

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Chemical and Physical Properties Consult the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for product-specific information on chemical and physical properties.

Structure

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Chemical Name TSCA, DSL ASIA-PAC EINECS

Phenol, 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis4,4’-isopropylidenediphenol 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol

Common Name

Bisphenol A (BPA)

IUPAC Name

2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane

CAS RN

80-05-7

Molecular Formula

C15H16O2

Synonyms

4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propane Phenol, 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bisphenol 4,4'-dihydroxyphenyl-2,2-propane Diphenol methylethylidene

Properties • White to light tan solid flake, powder, prill, or crystal • Solid at ambient conditions • Mild phenolic odor Molecular Weight

228.29 g/mol

Boiling Point @ atmospheric pressure

680°F (360°C); @ 4mm Hg: 428°F (220°C)

Melting Point

309-314 °F (154-157°C) (may vary with crystalline form)

Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup)

405 °F (207°C)

Explosive limits (in air)

Minimum explosive concentration 0.012 g/L of air with oxygen > 5%

Auto-ignition temperature

990°F (532°C)

Vapor pressure

5.3 x10-9 kPa at 25°C

n-Octanol-water partition coe∞cient (log Kow)

3.4

Solubility in water

300 mg/L

Oxidizing properties

Not an oxidizing agent

Specific Gravity @ 25°C

1.195

Bulk Density

600-720 kg/m3

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BPA is commercially manufactured via an acid-catalyzed reaction between phenol and acetone in an enclosed continuous process under mild conditions of temperature and pressure.

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The reaction mixture is then purified by distillation or crystallization, excess reactants are recovered, and purified BPA is formed as a free-flowing, spherical prill, granular flake, or crystal. Particle size varies according to the type of product, ranging from approximately 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm. The primary byproduct in this process is water.

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Applications and Uses BPA is mainly used as a chemical intermediate, and primarily as a key monomer in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin production. Polycarbonate plastic is lightweight, durable and shatter-resistant and is used to make a wide variety of products. It also has excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties. It is corrosion-resistant to many substances that attack other materials. It is inherently transparent, making optical devices possible. The flexibility of polycarbonate plastic, when heated, allows it to be easily molded into complex shapes and forms, facilitating integration of different materials and functions. Some noteworthy examples of polycarbonate uses include: • Sports safety equipment • Healthcare and medical devices • Automotive, marine and aerospace applications • Electronic equipment (product housings, optical media) • Building and construction • Packaging (reusable bottles, food containers) • Home appliance housings • Security (bullet-resistant shielding, protective visors)

Epoxy resins have critical uses in coatings, particularly in the automotive industry, where the resins are used in primers, topcoats, and powder coatings. Epoxy resins are also components of food and beverage can coatings used to protect the contents of the can and to maintain freshness and flavors. They are also used as a protective coating on a wide range of consumer items. Epoxy products provide excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance properties.

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Physical Hazard Information Reactivity Hazard Potential Under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, BPA is chemically stable. When handling BPA, avoid contact with oxidizing materials such as peroxides and perchlorates, as they may react violently when combined with BPA. Fire and Explosion Hazard Potential All solid forms of BPA are friable (in other words, easily reduced to powder) and therefore, during processing, handling, and transportation, may form dust. As a solid flake, powder, prill or crystal, BPA is not flammable. Similar to other organic dusts, powdered bulk material can present an explosive dust-air mixture, which can result in a flammable or explosion hazard. It is important to avoid accumulation of dust. Under fire conditions, the smoke may contain the original material in addition to combustion products of varying composition. Combustion products may include, but are not limited to, phenolic compounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Smoke may be irritating, and the compounds in the smoke may present toxicity concerns. To minimize smoke exposure, isolate the fire area and deny unnecessary entry. Avoid contact with the material and smoke during firefighting operations. Suitable fire extinguishing media include foam, dry chemical, or water spray.

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Overview of Potential Health E≠ects This section provides a brief overview of information pertaining to potential health hazards associated with exposure to BPA. A comprehensive discussion of health effects information pertaining to BPA is beyond the scope of this Guide. For more information, contact your employer or supplier. Potential workplace exposure to BPA is primarily associated with dust inhalation and skin contact. Direct exposure of the respiratory tract, eyes or skin may result in health effects as discussed below. Ingestion is not expected to be a primary route of exposure for workers.

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Overview of Potential Health E≠ects (continued)

Inhalation Dust and/or vapor may result in irritation to the upper respiratory tract with symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose and sore throat. Exposure to vapors is expected to be minimal at room temperature due to the low vapor pressure of BPA and because BPA is a solid at room temperature. Vapors may be generated when BPA is in the molten state. BPA manufacturing occurs under closed conditions; therefore, the vapors generally do not travel into the workplace atmosphere. Skin Contact Brief skin contact is generally non-irritating. Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in irritation with symptoms of reddening and itching. Animal toxicity data suggest that BPA is not likely to act as a sensitizer or photosensitizer in humans; however, when exposure to BPA is combined with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or other sources, a skin reaction or photosensitization may be possible in humans.

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Eye Contact Exposure to BPA dust may result in irritation with symptoms of reddening, tearing, stinging and swelling of the eye tissue. Ingestion BPA has low acute oral toxicity (LD50 > 2,000 mg/kg - rat). Ingested BPA is rapidly metabolized to a biologically inactive compound that is excreted. Chronic Hazard The European Union Risk Assessment (updated 2008) assessed BPA exposure of workers and concluded that current risk reduction measures (e.g., protective clothing and workplace safety measures) provide adequate protection to workers. The potential for chronic health effects relating to exposure to BPA is the subject of ongoing scientific research. For more information concerning potential chronic hazards from exposure to BPA, contact your employer or supplier.

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Exposure Potential BPA is manufactured in a closed process. However, potential exposure during manufacture and/or handling could occur during sampling, bagging, loading, unloading, or plant maintenance activities. Exposure to dust is also possible, with the most likely exposure routes by inhalation or dermal contact. Other concerns in the BPA manufacturing process include potential exposure to phenol. Ensure adequate controls are in place to reduce the likelihood of exposure to phenol.

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First Aid Consult and follow product-specific first aid instructions that are provided in the MSDS/SDS. This Guide provides a general outline of typical first aid protocols used by BPA manufacturers. Eye Contact Flush eyes immediately with plenty of lukewarm water for an adequate period (typically, at least 15 minutes); hold eyelids open while irrigating. If wearing contact lenses, flush with water first, and remove lenses only after flushing with water. Get medical attention if irritation develops. Skin Contact Remove contaminated shoes and clothing. Wash affected areas with soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation develops. For molten product, immediately immerse affected area in cool water or flush with large amounts of cool water, and get medical attention. Inhalation If dust is inhaled, leave the area and go to an area where fresh air is available. If breathing difficulty is experienced, seek a properly trained person to administer oxygen. Get medical attention if signs of respiratory tract irritation develop. Ingestion Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Seek medical attention immediately.

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Workplace Health and Safety Engineering Controls Control airborne BPA dust with appropriate engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Recognized practices such as those suggested by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other country-specific guidance or regulatory requirements provide guidance on well-designed engineering controls. Product Handling and Transfer Use appropriate workplace controls during handling processes to minimize dust formation. Keep dust away from heat sources, and minimize or eliminate any ignition sources. Ignition sources can include, but are not limited to, hot surfaces, sparks, flames, or static charge build-up. When cleaning up BPA powder and dust, minimize the generation of dust, for example, by using vacuums or non-sparking tools to remove dust from surfaces. Use of proper grounding and bonding procedures can help to reduce or eliminate ignition potential from static charge. Antistatic bags do not completely protect against the build-up of charges. For more information on this topic, please refer to NFPA Standards 68, 69, 77, and 654, or other country-specific guidance or regulatory organizations.

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Workplace Health and Safety (continued)

There are a number of ways to manage a transfer system. Two possible approaches are discussed below: • Construct the transfer system with fully conductive materials. It is important that transfer equipment be properly bonded and grounded to help prevent static build-up. Check the grounding and bonding field system on a periodic basis to determine whether it is operating properly. In addition, safety interlocks may be considered as a mechanism to help prevent the transfer of material in the event that a proper ground is not established. OR • Before transferring material into a large vessel such as a silo, hopper, railcar, or truck trailer, purge the transfer and receiving vessel with nitrogen. The purpose of the purge is to reduce the oxygen content in the vessel so it is incapable of supporting combustion. An in-line oxygen sensor is used to monitor oxygen content of the vessel with this transfer method. Interlock the oxygen sensor with automatic valves to help prevent the transfer of material if the oxygen content is above established levels. In the event that a nitrogen purge is performed by personnel, strongly consider the use of supplied air respiratory protection for personnel, due to the potential for an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Contact with heated vessels, transfer lines, instrument loops, tracing lines, and sampling points can result in thermal burns. Thorough external insulation of heated equipment and lines can help prevent thermal burns.

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Storage Considerations Static build-up increases the risk for dust explosion. Proper grounding of storage silos helps prevent the possibility of static build-up. Written procedures and checklists can be valuable tools to detail the methods used to measure the effectiveness of the grounding field. Padding storage silos with an inert atmosphere will help reduce the potential for dust explosion. A pressure and vacuum relief device equipped with a flame arrester is used on the silo to maintain the inert atmosphere. Personal Protective Equipment Consult and follow product-specific personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations that are provided in the MSDS/SDS. This Guide provides general information about PPE selection. It is important to use appropriate PPE when engineering controls are not feasible. Appropriate eye and skin protection should be worn in all BPA handling situations. When working with BPA in the solid or dust forms, follow the specific PPE recommendations made by your employer; these typically include work shoes, gloves, long sleeves and pants or a protective suit. Eye protection includes safety glasses with side shields or goggles. Use gloves that are chemically resistant to this material (e.g., nitrile). When selecting specific PPE, give consideration to all relevant workplace factors, such as, but not limited to: other chemicals that may be handled; physical requirements; frequency and duration of tasks; sensitivities or allergies to PPE material; as well as the instructions/specifications provided by your employer or PPE supplier.

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Workplace Health and Safety (continued)

Workers involved in the manufacture of BPA should follow the specific instructions and requirements of their employers with respect to the use of PPE. Your employer may require the use of additional PPE when handling samples in liquid form or when performing maintenance (e.g., changing production equipment components, such as filters). These extra precautions are warranted because the liquid reaction mixture used to manufacture BPA contains solvents, particularly phenol. When handling phenol, PPE typically includes a full chemical suit made of non-permeable material equipped with a supplied air respirator. Skin exposure to phenol can have dangerous health effects, so complete protection is needed when performing a task where there may be exposure to phenol. Consult with your employer or supplier for additional guidance on the handling of phenol. Manufacturers of phenol may offer a separate guidance document or PPE guidance for handling phenol. Phenol exposure is not of concern for workers who handle BPA as finished product in flake, powder, prill or crystal form, as the phenol is fully consumed in the BPA manufacturing process. When workers must access the top of a railcar or truck, appropriate fall protection may be necessary. Consult with your employer for company-specific requirements. Workplace Exposure Limits The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for BPA. Likewise, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has not established a threshold limit value (TLV) for BPA.

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There are, however, general exposure limits for dust. OSHA established a PEL for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR) of 15 mg/m3 for total dust and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction; ACGIH established a TLV for Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) of 10 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, and 3 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction. In Europe, however, exposure limits have been established for BPA. The AGW, or “Arbeitsplatz Grenzwert,” which translates to workplace exposure limit, is a legal limit (published in the TRGS 900) enforceable in Germany, and has been established at 5 mg/m3 for the inhalable fraction of BPA. In 2004, the EU DG Employment Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) recommended an Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Value (IOELV) for BPA of 10 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA). This value has not been formally adopted but is expected to be included in a forthcoming IOELV Directive. In Japan, workplace exposure limits for BPA have not been established by the Government or the Academic Circle. However, the Japan Society for Occupational Health established an occupational exposure limit for organic dust (Class 3) of 8 mg/m3 for total dust and 2 mg/m3 for respirable dust. Workplace exposure limits and other regulatory requirements are subject to change. Check with the relevant government or scientific authority for the most current information.

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Environmental Information Environmental Fate and E≠ects BPA is readily biodegradable and its bioconcentration potential is low. Numerous environmental fate and toxicity studies indicate that the current manufacturing and use patterns of BPA pose a low risk to the environment. When released into the environment (surface waters), aquatic toxicity tests suggest that BPA is only moderately toxic to aquatic organisms. Spills and Clean-up In the event of a spill, take appropriate actions to contain the spill and avoid contamination of soil and surface or ground water. BPA is moderately toxicto fish on an acute basis. Avoid or minimize human and animal contact with contaminated soil or water. Because BPA can form an explosive dust/air mixture, remove ignition sources.

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Environmental Information (continued)

If a spill occurs, isolate the area. Do not allow smoking in these areas. Take appropriate precautions to avoid creating dust. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering the area. Emergency personnel should wear proper protective equipment and follow emergency procedures carefully. The material should be captured, collected and re-processed, or disposed of, according to applicable national/federal, state/provincial or local regulations. Decontaminate or dispose of PPE following spill cleanup in accordance with guidance from your employer or supplier. Waste Disposal Considerations Disposal must be in compliance with all applicable international, federal/national, state/provincial, local laws and regulations, and/or other country-specific guidance or regulatory requirements.

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Waste characterizations and compliance with applicable laws are the sole responsibility of the waste generator. For unused and uncontaminated product, methods of disposal include, but are not limited to, permitted recycling, reclaiming, incineration, or other thermal destruction methods. Empty sacks or bulk sacks of BPA, unless thoroughly cleaned, are likely to contain residual BPA. Consult with your employer or supplier for more information about methods that may be available to clean empty or bulk sacks. Otherwise, recycle, reclaim, incinerate, or otherwise thermally destroy the sacks in accordance with regulations.

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Regulatory Information United States OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: This material is a “Hazardous Chemical” as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. NIOSH Skin Notation Profile: BPA is assigned a composite skin notation of SK:SEN for skin sensitization and photoallergy. US Department of Transportation (DOT) Classification: Non-regulated; transported as a non-hazardous material. Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) Sections 311 and 312: • Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard Yes • Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard Yes • Fire Hazard No • Reactive Hazard No • Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard No Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) Section 313: BPA is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and is listed in 40 CFR 372.

Canada Canadian Controlled Products Regulations: BPA is considered a controlled product under this regulation. WHMIS Product Classification: D2, Subdivision B.

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Regulatory Information (continued) National Pollution Release Inventory (NPRI) Requirements: Reportable under NPRI. Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Classification: Non-regulated, transported as a non-hazardous material. The Canadian Government concluded in its final screening assessment of BPA that the substance meets one or more of the criteria in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), and has added this substance to its list of toxic substances (CEPA Schedule 1).

Europe Labeling: In accordance with Annex I of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 790/2009 and its amendments and adaptations: Symbol: Xn Hazard description: Harmful Risk Phrases: Irritating to respiratory system (R37) Risk of serious damage to eyes (R41) May cause sensitization by skin contact (R43) Possible risk of impaired fertility (R62) Harmful to aquatic organism (R52) Safety Phrases: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice (S26) Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection (S 36/37/39)

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If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label (S46)

Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/safety data sheets (S61) Classification: Repr. Cat. 3, R62; Xi (irritant), R37, R41; R43; R52

Japan Pollutant Release and Transfer Register / PRTR: BPA is designated as Class I Designated Chemical Substance Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture: BPA is designated as a Type 3 Monitoring Chemical Substance.

Korea Toxic Chemical Control Law (TCCL): BPA is categorized as an Observational Chemical Check with relevant government authorities for the most recent information on regulatory requirements. Additional Information Refer to your supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS). For additional information about combustible dust and explosion hazards, visit the NFPA website at http://www.nfpa.org and/or the OSHA website at http://osha.gov. For guidance on selection of appropriate ventilation controls, see the most current edition of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Industrial Ventilation Manual. 4,4’-Isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol-A) Risk Assessment Final Report. European Commission Joint Research Centre. June 2008, available at http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu. Health Canada final screening assessment report and proposed risk management approach for Bisphenol A: http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/batch-lot-2/bisphenol-a/index-eng.php. Japanese Government Bisphenol A risk assessment document produced under the Comprehensive Chemical Substance Assessment and Management Program: http://unit.aist.go.jp/riss/crm/mainmenu/e_1-10.html. List of MAK and BAT Values 2006. DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Copyright 2006. WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim. P17, 30,179. This Guide can be found online at http://www.bisphenol-a.org.

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